When we shoot poorly, we're not very good...but when we hit our shots.....

Well, I've told anyone who will listen since our first weeks together that this has the potential to be a very good team if we can shoot the ball like we're capable. So far this year, besides the Kentucky Christian loss, we've had two poor shooting games that both resulted in losses. And then there was tonight...

After another slow start (scoreless for about 4 minutes), the girls caught fire and finished the first half shooting 57% from the field, 62% from three, and 83% from the line on the way to a 47-24 halftime lead and 74-53 win over Kuyper College of Grand Rapids tonight. We went through a 10 minutes stretch in the first half where we couldn't miss. Honestly, despite begging and pleading, it was difficult to stay focused in the second half and played less consistent basketball. We led by 35 one point, but a mixture of lineups and some Kuyper hot shooting saw the final margin reduced to 21.

Abbey and Bri were playing their last home games so that made it an extra special game. They both played a couple of the better games of their careers. Abs finished with a career high 23 points, (4 of 7 from 3-point), grabbed six rebounds, and blocked three shots. Bri also scored a career high 14 points and gathered five rebounds. Tiff added 17 points, six rebounds, and four assist, and Ellie 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and steals.

Abbey and Bri could have done a lot of things with their "spare" time this semester, but both wanted to play until the break. It was such a good thing for this team, I think, to help us establish a system with these new players. They both have been helpful in teaching the younger players, but have obviously helped on the floor as well. I am so thankful for their friendship, and they will be missed.

So many times the scorers get all of the attention in a win, and rightfully so. But there are things in a game that the stat sheet can't tell you. For instance, Lyds ran the point for us and had the ball in her hands most of the night with few turnovers. Brooke VanLaanen (we call her Van to differentiate her form Brooke Byard) played some great defense on one of the top scorers in our region. She and Ellie combined to hold their shooting guard to 13 points on 4 of 13 shooting. Rebekah came in and restored some rebounding order when were getting sloppy. Brooke B. came in and filled her role of penetrating and pitching to earn five assists. Kayla really controlled the boards when she was on the floor, and bot Sara and Jenni got valuable time.

This Saturday we travel down to Manitowoc, WI to play Silver Lake College. We have had the upper hand in this match-up the past few years, but Silver Lake beat Grace Bible by 15 this past Saturday, so they must be playing well.

Thanks for reading!